Looking for a quieter alternative to Iceland’s famous geothermal spas? During our recent Ring Road adventure, we visited Laugarás Lagoon, and it quickly became one of the biggest surprises of our trip. Tucked away in the small village of Laugarás, just off the Golden Circle, this modern geothermal lagoon combines beautiful scenery, relaxing warm water and a much calmer atmosphere than some of Iceland’s more famous lagoons.
In this guide, we’ll share our honest experience, what you can expect, and whether we think Laugarás Lagoon is worth adding to your Iceland itinerary.
Our First Impressions
After spending the morning exploring Gullfoss and Geysir, we arrived at Laugarás Lagoon not really knowing what to expect.
From the outside, it looks modern and understated, but as soon as we walked through the entrance and looked out over the pools, we realised this wasn’t just another tourist attraction.
Large geothermal pools stretch out towards the Hvítá River, with views across the Icelandic countryside. Steam rises gently from the water, creating that unmistakable Icelandic atmosphere, while the surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
Despite its growing popularity, it felt noticeably quieter than some of Iceland’s better-known lagoons.
Straight away, we knew we’d made the right decision stopping here.
Where is Laugarás Lagoon?
Laugarás Lagoon is located in the small village of Laugarás, around 90 minutes from Reykjavík.
Its location makes it an ideal stop if you’re driving:
- The Golden Circle
- South Iceland
- The Ring Road
It’s close enough to popular attractions that it fits naturally into a day’s sightseeing, yet it feels completely different from the busier tourist hotspots nearby.
Our Experience
One thing we loved was how relaxed everything felt.
There wasn’t the same rush or crowds we’ve experienced elsewhere. Instead, people were simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The changing facilities were modern, spacious and exceptionally clean, making the whole experience feel premium without being intimidating.
Once we’d showered and stepped into the water, we didn’t want to leave.
The water temperature was perfect—warm enough to completely relax after a long morning of driving and sightseeing, but not so hot that you couldn’t stay in comfortably for a long time.
We found ourselves simply sitting back, chatting, watching the steam drift across the river and taking in the views.
Sometimes that’s exactly what you need after days of constantly exploring Iceland.
The Views Are Incredible
One thing that really stood out was the setting.
Unlike some lagoons that feel enclosed, Laugarás Lagoon feels open.
From the pools you can enjoy views across:
- The Hvítá River
- Rolling Icelandic countryside
- Distant mountains
- Beautiful evening light (if you’re lucky!)
As the sun began getting lower, the atmosphere became even more peaceful.
It’s one of those places where you genuinely lose track of time.
A Great Alternative to the Blue Lagoon?
People often ask whether they should visit the Blue Lagoon or look elsewhere.
Our honest opinion?
Laugarás Lagoon offers something completely different.
The Blue Lagoon is iconic and absolutely worth experiencing if it’s your first trip to Iceland.
But Laugarás Lagoon feels more relaxed, more spacious and much less commercial.
Rather than choosing one over the other, we’d simply decide based on the type of experience you’re looking for.
If you enjoy quieter places where you can simply relax, Laugarás Lagoon is an excellent choice.
Food & Facilities
Another pleasant surprise was the restaurant.
Instead of typical tourist food, you’ll find a restaurant focusing on locally inspired dishes using Icelandic ingredients.
Even if you don’t eat a full meal, it’s worth stopping for a drink while enjoying the views.
Facilities include:
- Modern changing rooms
- Showers
- Lockers
- Café and restaurant
- Large geothermal pools
- Cold plunge pools
- Relaxation areas
Everything felt clean, well maintained and thoughtfully designed.
Is It Family Friendly?
Absolutely.
We saw couples, families and groups of friends all enjoying the lagoon.
The atmosphere felt calm and welcoming rather than loud or crowded, making it suitable whether you’re travelling as a couple or with children.
Is It Worth Visiting in Winter?
Definitely.
In fact, we’d argue winter makes the experience even more magical.
Imagine relaxing in naturally heated geothermal water while surrounded by crisp winter air and snow-covered landscapes.
If you’re lucky, you might even visit during one of Iceland’s incredible colourful sunsets.
After spending so much time driving through winter conditions, it was the perfect way to unwind.
Tips Before You Visit
Here are a few things we’d recommend after our visit:
✔ Book ahead if travelling during peak periods.
✔ Bring flip-flops if you prefer walking around the changing rooms in them.
✔ Leave plenty of time—you’ll probably stay longer than you planned!
✔ Combine your visit with Gullfoss and Geysir if you’re exploring the Golden Circle.
✔ Bring a waterproof phone case if you want photos in the water.
Is Laugarás Lagoon Worth Visiting?
Without hesitation—yes.
We genuinely didn’t expect it to become one of the highlights of our trip, but it did.
It isn’t trying to be the biggest or the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland.
Instead, it offers something many travellers are actually looking for:
- Peace
- Beautiful scenery
- Warm geothermal water
- Excellent facilities
- A more relaxed atmosphere
Sometimes the places that receive a little less attention end up becoming your favourite memories.
For us, Laugarás Lagoon was exactly that.
Our Rating
⭐ Atmosphere: ★★★★★
⭐ Scenery: ★★★★★
⭐ Facilities: ★★★★★
⭐ Value for Money: ★★★★☆
⭐ Would We Visit Again? Absolutely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laugarás Lagoon worth visiting?
Yes. If you’re looking for a quieter geothermal lagoon with beautiful scenery and modern facilities, it’s an excellent addition to your Iceland itinerary.
How far is Laugarás Lagoon from Reykjavík?
It’s approximately a 90-minute drive from Reykjavík, making it an easy day trip or a perfect stop while driving the Golden Circle.
Can you visit Laugarás Lagoon in winter?
Yes. It’s open year-round, and we actually think winter is one of the best times to visit thanks to the dramatic scenery and warm geothermal water.
How long should you spend at Laugarás Lagoon?
We’d recommend allowing at least 2–3 hours so you can fully relax and enjoy the pools without feeling rushed.
Is Laugarás Lagoon better than the Blue Lagoon?
They’re very different experiences. The Blue Lagoon is larger and world-famous, while Laugarás Lagoon offers a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere that’s ideal if you prefer fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip around the Golden Circle or driving Iceland’s Ring Road, we’d highly recommend making time for Laugarás Lagoon.
For us, it was one of those unexpected stops that turned into a real highlight. After days of driving, hiking and chasing waterfalls, spending a few peaceful hours soaking in naturally heated geothermal water while looking out across the Icelandic landscape was exactly what we needed.
Not every great experience in Iceland has to be one of the country’s most famous attractions. Sometimes it’s the quieter places, like Laugarás Lagoon, that leave the biggest impression—and we’d happily return on our next trip.
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